Mayor Krajewski explained that Council Workshop meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are video taped live and for later cable cast over cable channel 6.

The Workshop meeting is intended to provide Council and the public with an appropriate forum for informal discussion of any items intended for future Council consideration or just for general information. No formal action is taken at Workshop meetings.

The public is invited to attend and encouraged to comment or ask questions in an informal manner on any of the items being discussed or on any other subject. The agenda is created to provide a guideline for discussion.

MANAGER

Consent Agenda Items

1. Bid: Replacement Windows at Fire Station #1. Deputy Village Manager Dave Fieldman said only one bid was received on this item at a cost of $16,750. He noted that staff did a reference check. Staff recommends approval.

Deputy Police Chief Pam Church said the hearing officer will be considered an independent contractor, and not a Village employee, and will conduct fair and impartial hearings. Officers have begun training on the new Ordinance and began implementation on September 12. The first hearing is anticipated for the end of September. Staff recommends inserting the word “scheduled” in Section 1410(d), as well as providing a method of personal service notification be used as an alternative to certified mailing notifications. This will save staff time and mailing costs. Staff has interviewed numerous applicants and recommends entering an agreement with Victor E. Puscas, Jr., to serve as the Administrative Hearing Officer at a cost of $3,600 for a year. He serves as a hearing officer for two other communities.

Commissioner Tully asked where the hearings will be held. Deputy Chief Church said they will be in the Council Chambers.

Keith Sbiral , Director, Planning & Community Development, said that Good Samaritan Hospital is before the Village with a three-part request. The property to the east of the existing Planned Unit Development is owned by Advocate and they wish to annex the property and rezoned it to R-4 to be consistent with the remainder of the Planned Unit Development. They also seek a 39,000 square feet addition for a surgical unit, and a 294 space surface parking lot on the property proposed for annexation. Staff has worked with the Hospital for some time. Conservation Design Forum is involved in the stormwater engineering. The Hospital is committed to making the corner at 39th Street safer for the community and would include a low variety of landscaping. In addition they will provide a sidewalk along the stretch to be annexed. Mr. Sbiral said that the staff recommends waiving the right-of-way to 39th Street.

Mayor Krajewski questioned the need for sidewalks, as they will go nowhere. He said they may want to use the money elsewhere. Mr. Sbiral said that they are open to the direction of the Council.

Mayor Krajewski then asked about parking and shielding from surrounding properties. Mr. Sbiral said that the Ordinance requires that parking on this site be shielded from adjacent property, but Good Samaritan does not want to disturb any more of the surrounding environment than necessary. They believe there may be enough natural shielding there now. Once the work is complete, they will look to determine whether additional barriers are necessary.

Commissioner Schnell said that she saw the advantage of the sidewalk in that it will eliminate the sight obstruction at that site, which is a big problem. Clearing out an area for the sidewalk would clear out the brush area. Even though it may not go anywhere, it would allow people to cross over. She further said she does not want to widen 39th Street, and also doesn’t want to waive the right-of-way. Her suggestion is that language be added that if the right-of-way is necessary to the Village in the future, the Hospital would give it to the Village without additional cost. The other alternative would be to grant an easement. Her concern is that this could save the Village money in the future.

The Mayor said he agreed with her, and that the same issue arose with the Brookbank area.

Commissioner McConnell inquired as to the traffic flow and the amount of traffic. She does not anticipate any substantial difference in the amount of traffic as it is an enhancement to the existing facility. She asked if that was the correct interpretation, and Mr. Sbiral said it was. Commissioner McConnell then thanked Good Samaritan for looking for creative and innovative ways to deal with environmental issues.

Commissioner Sandack commented that the environmental novelty shown by the petitioner is to be commended. This Planned Unit Development is an asset to the community and the surrounding neighbors. He appreciates the efforts they have extended to appropriately expand their facilities while being conscious of their neighbors. He said he agrees that 39th Street should not be widened. He will support the plan as it currently exists.

Commissioner Urban echoed the sentiments expressed, particularly in regard to the right-of-way and any widening of 39th Street. He lives on 39th Street, and said they need to be cautious of the site view for the future. He is proud of the fact that Downers Grove has grown in partnership with the Hospital, and is proud that they are a member of this community. They have always, to his knowledge, complied with the requests of the Council.

Commissioner Tully said that he also wants to maintain flexibility regarding the right-of-way. There are four requests being made. The annexation of the property is a welcome edition to the community, and rezoning will match the remainder of the hospital campus. He asked if this is a request for approval of a special use and approval of a planned development. Mr. Sbiral said that the PUD in and of itself is a special use. He agreed with Commissioner Tully that both Sections 28-1902 and 28-1607 of the Code would apply. Commissioner Tully went on to express his appreciation to the petitioner for their detailed analysis of the criteria. In regard to stormwater issues, some are yet unresolved, but the Ordinance must be met before building commences. The Hospital has been sensitive to the issues concerning Lyman Woods. Concerning the sidewalk, he noted that the north side of 39th Street is probably not on the matrix, as there is already a sidewalk on one side of the street. He agreed that the dollars could be better spent. He then expressed his appreciation again to the Hospital for reaching out to the community, surrounding residents and Lyman Wood representatives when contemplating changes to their campus. It results in a better project for the community.

Commissioner Waldack agreed that the right-of-way should be reserved. In respect to the traffic issue, he believes it would be difficult to force truckers to use Highland Avenue. He said that overall this is a good development and will vote in favor of this. The stormwater plan is very innovative. He hoped that the Hospital could find a way to move traffic more easily both by foot and vehicular traffic around their entire campus. He then asked about the comment that they might move certain outpatient services elsewhere, and hopes that this will remain within the Village. He suggested the possibility of using the Curtiss Block office space.

Mark Zabloudil , 620 39th Street, complimented Good Samaritan Hospital on their work. He asked about the issue of fencing on the parking lot and the need for it. He asked that the Council give clear direction on the issue, as he thinks the fence would be an eyesore. If it is not needed, he would prefer to see a natural barrier. Also, he noted that the Hospital said that staff would be encouraged to use the exits on 39th Street to Highland, and asked how this would be done. As to traffic counts, Mr. Zabloudil said that in the engineering notes the last traffic count was in September 2003. He asked if the date for the upcoming traffic counts in September 2005 has been set, and that results of the upcoming traffic counts be made available to the public for comparison. Mr. Zabloudil then asked about creating a transition property for the Hospital. He asked what would prohibit the Hospital from annexing the remaining property to the east to Glendenning. He inquired as to a transition plan which can be shared with the surrounding neighborhood and the community in general. He noted that this annexation squares off their property nicely.

Mr. Sbiral said he would look into whether another traffic study has been completed.

Commissioner Tully stated that the question regarding land use might actually be part of the Future Land Use Plan addressed by the Plan Commission and the Economic Development Commission of a few years ago. Mr. Sbiral said this location is not included in that discussion.

Dr. Gordon Goodman , 5834 Middaugh, first noted that he supports the environmental sensitivity to the parking lot. He noted a press release by the Hospital announcing their receipt of a Certificate of Need for the surgical addition. It referenced environmental concerns. Dr. Goodman said that a design strategy for controlling water and restoring vegetation would be wonderful, and he is encouraged by the Hospital’s actions. In terms of the parking lot permanency, Dr. Goodman said that it will probably be stable for about ten years, but there are no long term plans stated, and he would like to have an idea of the long terms plans. He noted that the Hospital doesn’t foresee this as a low density parking lot for long-term use. Dr. Goodman said that long-term planning ties in with Mr. Zabloudil’s questions, and he believes the Council does not see this as a low-density parking lot for the future.

Dr. Goodman then addressed the dedication of the right-of-way along 39th Street, saying he supports the point of view expressed by the Council. He does not think the right-of-way should be given up. And in regard to the sidewalk, he is willing to go either way, either money in lieu of sidewalks, or building the sidewalk. He also agrees with Commissioner Schnell that the sidewalk would make it a safer location. If it can be achieved with less money and without a sidewalk, that would be good too, but it should not be left as is. There may come a time when that area would best be served with a sidewalk on both sides of the street.

Mr. Zabloudil said that he would like to be notified if the transition plan is part of a future land use meeting.

Tracy Kasson , attorney representing Advocate, introduced himself. He responded to a question from the Mayor regarding the traffic situation and encouraging employees to use certain exit areas. He said no specific program has been planned, but Mr. Fox will meet with and speak to the employees about it. The Hospital will monitor this; however, there is no plan for a traffic analysis now or in the future.

Commissioner Schnell asked whether there is any signage or direction in the Wellness Center encouraging people to use Highland Avenue.

Dave Fox , President of Good Samaritan Hospital, said that he doesn’t think there is signage, but something could be placed there. In regard to traffic issues, he has required truck drivers use Highland Avenue. Some ambulance companies run their sirens down 39th Street; however, some only use their sirens within a few blocks of the Hospital. Mr. Fox said that the Hospital will ask their employees and physicians to come out of the Hospital campus and use Highland. They will be encouraged to be good neighbors. This is an important project that replaces facilities that are 30 years old, and is an upgrade of their facilities. This will hopefully be completed within two years. Good Samaritan Hospital does lot of surgical procedures and open heart surgeries. As to future campus traffic, the intent is to move some of their out-patient volumes into the community, which would provide more convenient care closer to patient homes, and decompress the campus. It is expensive to build on the campus and they would prefer to build low intensity out-patient services in the community, such as has been done in Lemont. Mr. Fox added that there are no plans for additional annexation, and no plans to go further east. In regard to parking, Mr. Fox said the Hospital has no plans to do anything other than what has been proposed. At some future date there may be a more compelling need for the space, but at this time, there are no plans to extend further.

The Mayor complimented Mr. Fox on the Hospital’s communication with its surrounding neighbors. He asked whether the Hospital would be adverse to restrictions being placed by the Village. Mr. Fox said he sees no need for them to go beyond the existing development.

Brian Johnson , 3905 Elm, said that the Hospital has been very open, and he thanked them for that. He stated that children are bused to school so the sidewalk should not be an issue. He asked for a right-turn-only out of the Hospital, and asked about plans for an addition being made to the parking garage.

Michael Izewski , 3908 Elm Street, said that the increase in traffic on Elm Street is due to the Wellness Center, especially early in the morning. He addressed this at the last meeting with the Hospital, so he wanted to make this known to the Council.

Mayor Krajewski asked whether there is a potential for an addition to the garage. Mr. Fox said it was designed to carry one more level, but probably would not be feasible. That would require shutting down most of the facility to expand it. Another option would be to extend to the west, but there are no immediate plans to do that. He then said that the proposed parking lot is for staff, and not patients. They do not like to build parking structures as they are incredibly expensive. He would prefer to decompress the campus volume.

Mayor Krajewski summarized that five Commissioners spoke with regard to keeping the right-of-way. In regard to the fencing, he agrees that it might be an eyesore. Mr. Fox commented that additional plantings would be a consideration.

Commissioner Tully explained that the fencing is to provide screening. If the neighbors prefer the plantings, that should be done.

The Mayor said in regards to the sidewalks, if there is no sidewalk, they should at least trim the brush and move it back to allow for better visibility. Then they will not need the sidewalk. The Village would get a fee in lieu of the sidewalks. He asked staff to get back to the Council on the traffic issue.

Curtiss Block Redevelopment Agreement. Deputy Village Manager Dave Fieldman said that he is proud and excited to bring this project forward to the Council. The vision for this began in the 1990s. Acquisition of the property began in 2000/2001, and RFQ ’s were sent in 2003/04. He noted that the final proposals were presented publicly. Plans for the project were then presented by the petitioner at a Coffee With the Council, and plans were made available for viewing at Heritage Festival this past summer. Tonight staff is presenting the redevelopment agreement, which consists of the business terms for the development. Details for the development will begin with Plan Commission hearings beginning on October 10.

Manager Fieldman said the developer will be required to build the $40 million project, and would require the Village to assist via land acquisition, demolition and environmental remediation. The total investment in the TIF District would be about $7.9 million, at a leverage rate of 5:1. The Village’s investment should result in revenues of $9 million, with a $6.1 million real estate tax increase. The Village rate of return on this investment would be 14.6%.

Manager Fieldman explained that the developer would post a $350,000 letter of credit for timely completion of the project, and a letter of credit in the amount of 110% of the cost of public improvements. The land would be sold to the developer in phases. If there is default, the Village is not obligated to sell the next phase of the land. He then introduced the developers to walk the Council through their plans.

Chris Rintz of New England Builders said that the Village staff has been diligent and strong in the negotiation process, and they have all come to understand how to work with one another. The name of the project is Acadia on the Green, which means bountiful or fertile land. He presented drawings on the proposed plan indicating there would be 201,163 square feet of new retail and residential space. They plan 34,000 square feet of retail, with 4-5,000 site for a single user. There will be 126 dwelling units and 153 parking spaces in the building, with 62 surface spaces. He explained there would be three production phases. The first phase would include Building 1 at Burlington and Main. The second and third phases will include the eastern end of the site, and they expect the spaces to move quickly in terms of sales. Phase 3 would be the Mad Potter retail space of about 4,000-5,000 square feet. Buildings will be connected at the basement level with the parking deck. They are looking for a single anchor in this space.

Mr. Rintz then stated that the architectural process continues and they are meeting weekly with the architects. The shape and orientation has been determined. He then showed a rendering of Burlington and Main Street.

Mr. Rintz explained that the building has a contemporary feel and they will use copper materials to give the building a rich appearance. Protruding bays will also be copper-clad and make the building feel as though it’s been there and is part of the original town. He stated that masonry would also add to the feel of the structures. He then described the customized details of the buildings.

Manager Fieldman said that New England Builders was selected for this project due to the quality of their buildings and the financial return. He explained that the 35,000 square feet would be retail and restaurant, and not office space. Plan Commission hearings will provide the Village and public an opportunity to discuss the actual plans as they develop further.

Commissioner Waldack asked whether the one or two-bedroom units could be used as offices. Mr. Rintz said that it is difficult to mix the uses. They discussed one possibility of having potential office condominiums but stated that they are cost prohibitive.

Mayor Krajewski complimented the staff on the Redevelopment Agreement. He said the Village couldn’t stop private property owners from renting their property to whomever they choose, but indicated that all efforts were made to encourage potential uses advantageous to the community.

Commissioner Schnell questioned the completion date scheduled for Phase 1 for 2008, and subsequent phases, asking whether these are firm dates as they will impact the TIF . Mr. Rintz said they want to use conservative dates due to the Agreement containing penalties for delays. They are looking at 42 months in terms of finances.

Manager Fieldman stated that there is a relationship between the penalty amount and the delay in the TIF increment. He provided three scenarios to the project, explaining that the penalty draws are meant to reimburse the Village for TIF increment losses. Mr. Rintz added that there is no benefit to them in moving the project more slowly.

Mayor Krajewski said that the financial projections show a return of 14.8%. The net present value is $6.1 million in real estate taxes, so the total dollars to be received would be $10 million.

The Mayor said this doesn’t take into account sales tax revenues for the general fund which is about $2 million. He said that there are also soft revenues of $100,000 per year, which is not included in the analysis. Manager Fieldman said that these are conservative figures.

Commissioner McConnell said that the staff has done a great job of answering all questions and have become more astute negotiators. She said she is looking forward to the next steps.

Commissioner Tully said one of the obligations in the Agreement for the Village is the completion of the underground tank removal and remediation. He asked what has been done so far. Manager Fieldman said all work has been completed except the paperwork. Commissioner Tully complimented the staff as well on their negotiations, and he is looking forward to the beginning of the project.

Commissioner Sandack said this has been a long process and agreed that staff has done a tremendous job. The concepts have been refined over time and will continue to be refined. He thinks this is a good deal and will be seen as a pivotal moment of redevelopment of the downtown area.

The Mayor noted that there would be plenty of opportunity for the residents to participate as the project progresses.

Downtown Special Service Area Number 2 to Provide for Amendments to the Boundaries and an Extension of the Term of the Special Service Area and providing for a Public Hearing and Other Procedures in Connection Therewith.

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said that staff has been working with the downtown Management Board to provide an amendment to the SSA boundaries, and an extension of the upper downtown SSA , as well as providing a public hearing date of October 18. There are minimal changes to the boundaries, to exclude Morningstar Development, and including 5205 Washington Street which has turned commercial since the last SSA . In addition they are adjusting some of the boundaries to reflect street right-of-ways. They propose to extend the term to a 15-year term to run concurrently with the term of the downtown TIF District. In addition, they are providing an amendment to the scope and service of the SSA , as well as municipal services and a beautification project. The Ordinance provides for a Public Hearing on October 18 in the Village Hall Council Chambers as part of a Council meeting. The 60-day objection period begins after that date. The final Ordinance would come before the Council for a vote on December 20.

The Mayor asked about the municipal services being spelled out and whether they are being paid for out of the TIF . Attorney Petrarca said that some are paid for out of the TIF and some are provided by the Village. Manager Fieldman said they are not using TIF funds for these costs, but with the proposed language change there is flexibility to cover the cost to the General Fund. The Mayor suggested that this be tracked as a loan from the General fund.

Mayor Krajewski said he knows the Downtown Management Board is in support of this. He asked that all parties be properly notified as to the public hearing.

Commissioner Waldack said about a year ago residents from Station Crossing complained that since they were commercially and not residentially zoned, they were hit with extra costs and asked for some relief since the original intent was not to include them. He asked if there is any remedy for these people.

Manager Fieldman said that elimination of the SSA would not decrease their tax bills appreciably as the base value was so low to begin with. Early on in the planning process, the revenue plans were dependent upon Station Crossing. Other developments were not considered a revenue source.

The Mayor added that the area was commercial, and the site was intended to be a mixed use in the Lakota Plan. Morningside was not intended to be a residential use by the Village. A private individual purchased the building and came in with residential plans.

Commissioner Tully explained that the entire plan was to be a mixed-use development with a large component of residential development. That was not the case with the Morningside development. A Special Service Area is just that—there are special services which are provided. When people were sold their Station Crossing units, they were not told they were part of the SSA . People will be notified beforehand with respect to Acadia on the Green, and Acadia as well as the Forest Avenue Development is intended to be included in the SSA .

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Services Committee

Commissioner Schnell noted that the Public Services Committee will meet on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and will discuss the bike plan and provide an update on the Gilbert Avenue project.

The Mayor said he spoke with Forest Preserve District representatives and Commissioner Wally Brown. Commissioner Brown is encouraging the Forest Preserve to help the Village financially with accomplishing the Gilbert Avenue project.

Public Safety Committee

Commissioner McConnell said that the Public Safety Committee will not meet next Tuesday.

Finance Committee

Commissioner Tully said the Finance Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, September 20.

MANAGEMENT TEAM REPORT

Manager Fieldman said Officer Roundtree who is on duty in New Orleans, as part of the shared response team, will be returning later this week. He also said the Plan Commission will review the proposed changes to the residential regulations at their meeting on September 26, which will be dedicated solely to that issue.

ATTORNEY ’S REPORT

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said she was presenting seven items to the Council: 1) A resolution authorizing execution of an agreement for administrative hearing officer legal services; 2) An ordinance amending vehicle seizure provisions; 3) An ordinance annexing 850 39th Street to the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois; 4) An ordinance amending the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois, codified as Chapter 28 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code, as amended to rezone property located at 850 39th Street; 5) An ordinance approving planned development amendments to Planned Unit Development #19 for Good Samaritan Hospital; 6) An ordinance approving a redevelopment agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and Acadia OTG , LLC; and 7) An ordinance amending Special Service Area Number 2 in the Village of Downers Grove to Provide for an Amendment to the Boundaries and an Extension of the Term of the Special Service Area and Providing for a Public Hearing and Other Procedures in Connection Therewith.

Proclamation

Mayor Krajewski proclaimed the week of September 12 to 16 as Chamber of Commerce Week in the Village of Downers Grove.

VISITORS

Dr. Gordon Goodman , 5834 Middaugh, commented on a new initiative in the community regarding residential redevelopment. The Downers Grove Heritage Alliance and the Downers Grove Watch have formed the Downers Grove Coalition for Managed Redevelopment, and are using expert opinion as a basis for their recommendations. He said that the Council does not have the advice of outside consultants regarding redevelopment, and the Coalition has retained an outside consultant. Their website is www.dgcmr.org. The issues covered by the organization will include changes in ordinances, permitting processes, criteria for awarding demolition permits, stormwater issues, etc. Dr. Goodman said that they hope to be able to get wide support for steps that the Council is taking, and to help the Council take additional steps necessary in a timely fashion. He thinks this will compliment what the Council is doing in the center of town, and looks for the Council’s support of this project.

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Commissioner Sandack congratulated Downers Grove National Bank on their 50th anniversary in the community. He noted that on September 10 he attended the Grove Foundation golf outing, as did the Mayor and Commissioner Tully. On September 11, he attended the Downers Grove Infant Welfare Society fundraiser which was well attended at Arlington Race Track. He then noted that Platinum Partners is sponsoring a fundraiser on September 17 from 12:00 noon to 7:30 p.m. for hurricane relief. He said 100% of the net proceeds are scheduled to go to the Red Cross.

Commissioner Waldack said he attended a Downtown Management Meeting last Thursday and congratulated the new board members. He reminded people that the South DuPage Crop Walk is scheduled for October 16. He encouraged people to contribute and/or participate in the Walk. Commissioner Waldack mentioned that Church World Services immediately dispatched a team to Florida to respond to hurricane needs and has pledged $9.5 million for immediate relief efforts. They have provided blankets, medicine, etc., and plan to dispatch additional teams, and this will come from money provided by the Crop Walk. The Commissioner then said that the Walk-In Ministry of Help in Westmont provided assistance to a family affected by the hurricane. Pledges earmarked for the hurricane relief will go 100% to the relief efforts.

Commissioner Schnell said that Character Counts will be meeting on October 29 at Ballydoyle. She thanked Phil Cullen for offering the restaurant facility, and thanked Commissioners McConnell and Urban for their work on the ambulance fee issues.

The Mayor asked whether fees were waived for the military person and Attorney Petrarca said they were waived.

Commissioner Tully said that Coffee with the Council will be held September 17 at the Farmer’s Market from 9:00-10:00 a.m. The Council will also participate in a goal setting retreat immediately thereafter.

The Mayor thanked residents of the Village for their help in the hurricane relief projects. He noted numerous efforts to provide relief and support to the victims.

Mayor Krajewski announced that September 26 the District 58 Education Foundation Circus will be held between the Fairmount and O’Neill Schools. In addition, a Murder Mystery Dinner will be held at Lyman Woods sponsored by District 58 in November.

Hours

About

The Village of Downers Grove, IL, population 48,867, is located 22 miles west of Chicago. Convenient access to Chicago via rail and several major expressways make Downers Grove a prime location to live, work and do business. Several major corporations have business operations in Downers Grove including Advocate Health Care, Dover Corporation, Pepperidge Farm, DeVry, Inc. and Sanford, maker of Sharpie and Paper Mate. Highly ranked schools were a top factor in Downers Grove being named one of the Top 10 Livable Cities for kids by Livability.com. Downers Grove has also been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Friendliest Towns.

2018 Holiday Schedule

Most Village offices will be closed on the following holidays:New Years Day, Monday, January 1Memorial Day, Monday, May 28Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4Labor Day, Monday, September 3Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 22 & Friday, November 23Christmas, Monday, December 24 & Tuesday, December 25

† Note: Certain GPS devices/services do not always show accurate information to the Village address. Village Hall is located, south of the BNSF railroad tracks, east of Washington St.